In Stupendous Stitching, you’ll learn how to incorporate all kinds of stitches into your next fiber art project - whether you’re embellishing a quilt or adding pizzazz to a garment. Award-winning fiber artist Carol Ann Waugh will teach you how to change the look of each standard stitch by modifying its length or width, and you’ll create a personal stitch bible to serve as a handy permanent reference for future sewing and embroidery projects.

Lesson 11. Other Uses

"Carol Ann is a teacher. Not every artist or expert has that skill. The pace is spot on, her enthusiasm is catching and the instructions are clear.
I have liked every Craftsy class I have taken to date and have learned from them all. But, this one also makes me feel happy." - jward1025724592

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Lesson plan

8:52

Lesson 1. Introduction

Fiber artist Carol Ann Waugh began quilting years ago, then stopped. After a decades-long hiatus, she returned to create Stupendous Stitching.

7:58

Lesson 2. Materials

An array of threads, a variety of stitches, ribbons, yarn and more go into this extraordinary artwork.

14:13

Lesson 3. The Stitch Bible

Find out what your machine can really do on your way to composing a stitch bible.

8:25

Lesson 4. Backgrounds

Some fabrics lend themselves to Stupendous Stitching, others don't. Learn to choose the good and avoid the bad and the ugly.

18:24

Lesson 5. Couching

Once you've chosen fabric, it's time to pick the cords, yarns and threads, then start couching. Carol repeats her mantra: There are no rules or mistakes.

32:42

Lesson 6. Decorative Machine Stitching

Open up your stitch bible and roll out the thread collection. Then sew decorative lines beside your couching.

26:22

Lesson 7. Hand Embroidery

Hoop up! In this session, Carol guides you through French knots and running stitches, and how to use variations on the theme to enhance your piece.

20:49

Lesson 8. Sandwiching

Once the fabric, batting and backing are sandwiched together, add machine quilt lines to enhance and embellish.

15:54

Lesson 9. Trimming and Binding

Measure, then trim your piece to its finished size. Next, Carol takes you through the steps of binding your work to enhance and stabilize it.

11:49

Lesson 10. Mounting Your Art

No more stitching. Instead, get ready to put your fiber art on display with a little carpentry, a little painting, more measuring and plenty of glueing.

Lesson 11. Other Uses

Carol Ann Waugh, Instructor of Stupendous Stitching

Carol Ann Waugh is a fiber artist, teacher and author whose books include Stupendous Stitching and The Patchwork Quilt Design and Coloring Book. Carol Ann's award-winning work can be found in galleries and collections across the country, and in the pages of magazines like Quilter's Newsletter and Machine Quilting Unlimited. Her accessible, inspiring teaching style gives her students the confidence to discover their creative voice while making amazing pieces of art.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(212 reviews)

Enjoy sewing again!

by wgramma on March 1, 2015

Great class for anyone that owns a sewing machine. Even if you’re frustrated or intimidated with garment sewing or quilting, this concept takes all the work out of sewing and just makes it FUN! You’ll learn so much about your machine’s stitches and really get to use them in a fun and imaginative way. Carol is a great instructor and it’s obvious she really loves what she creates and shares it with all of us. I’m so glad I took this class! I can’t wait to start ...

Great class for anyone that owns a sewing machine. Even if you’re frustrated or intimidated with garment sewing or quilting, this concept takes all the work out of sewing and just makes it FUN! You’ll learn so much about your machine’s stitches and really get to use them in a fun and imaginative way. Carol is a great instructor and it’s obvious she really loves what she creates and shares it with all of us. I’m so glad I took this class! I can’t wait to start stitching!

A New Adventure

by jng62963@aol.com on February 22, 2015

Hi Carol, This has been a great class. The way you present the lessons is informative and fun. I love the freedom and the look.Thank you,Jeanne

A+++++class

Hi Carol, This has been a great class. The way you present the lessons is informative and fun. I love the freedom and the look.Thank you,Jeanne

A+++++class

Having Fun

by Geraldine Maria on February 22, 2015

Loving this class with Carol - she is inspirational. Adding more to my piece as I go along. Geraldine

Loving this class with Carol - she is inspirational. Adding more to my piece as I go along. Geraldine

At the Right Time!

by BeckyLouMay on February 18, 2015

I have to admit I am writing my review after viewing the class materials a year ago, BUT that is because what I learned has stuck with me and has been milling around in my thoughts as I've been moving into a new sewing area and spending the time reorganizing and looking forward to plugging in those machines and sewing forward. Well I am ready to get back to sewing and plan to add a few minutes each time I am in there on my old faithful machine and on a new "addition" to get to know ...

I have to admit I am writing my review after viewing the class materials a year ago, BUT that is because what I learned has stuck with me and has been milling around in my thoughts as I've been moving into a new sewing area and spending the time reorganizing and looking forward to plugging in those machines and sewing forward. Well I am ready to get back to sewing and plan to add a few minutes each time I am in there on my old faithful machine and on a new "addition" to get to know those stitches and make up a stitching reference book so that creativity has room to blossom, as well my new sewing room will definitely look inspired as I plan to stitch up the project Carol walked us through!!! Great class the information will stick with you and be an inspiriation!!

Inspiring Class.

by Craftingenes on February 18, 2015

I am enjoying this class so much. Carol Ann Waugh gives very clear instruction for all the processes involved. I found her quick to respond to discussion comments too, which is encouraging. There is so much room to build individual creativity and I know I am going to continue to use the basics from this class to explore fibre art further.

I am enjoying this class so much. Carol Ann Waugh gives very clear instruction for all the processes involved. I found her quick to respond to discussion comments too, which is encouraging. There is so much room to build individual creativity and I know I am going to continue to use the basics from this class to explore fibre art further.